Operations Manager

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Are you ready to take the lead and make a lasting impact in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment? As an Operations Manager at Smithfield, you will be at the heart of our operations, driving production excellence while ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. From overseeing production and tracking performance metrics to making strategic adjustments, you'll play a key role in delivering the trusted quality that defines brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous.

This role is about more than managing processes—it’s about creating impact. You will lead with purpose, championing workplace safety and USDA health standards while managing budgets, optimizing resources, and controlling costs to drive profitability. At the same time, you’ll focus on empowering and inspiring your team, fostering a collaborative environment where employees are motivated to grow and succeed.

As the driving force behind your plant or assigned area, you will have the opportunity to innovate, solve challenges, and contribute to our legacy of excellence. If you’re looking for an opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape the future of food production, this is your chance to join a company where your leadership and expertise will truly make a difference.

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Leadership and Team Management: You will oversee all shift production operations, directing salaried and hourly production group leaders to ensure smooth and efficient processes, ensuring that teams stay motivated, aligned, and focused on achieving operational goals. You will foster strong employee relations, making Smithfield an employer of choice by providing training, counseling, and recognition programs that support employee development and morale.
  
  Guiding your team leaders, you’ll ensure best practices in safety, food safety, quality, process control, and personnel management.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: You will partner internally for layout design improvements, oversee automation improvement projects, and implement cost‑saving initiatives. By tracking labor, material, and indirect costs, you’ll work to stay within budget while meeting or exceeding goals for yields and operational efficiencies. Additionally, you will continuously look for ways to improve processes and maintain a competitive edge.
• Safety and Ergonomics: You will take the lead in implementing and maintaining safety and ergonomic programs to create an injury‑free workplace. You’ll ensure employees are trained in safety protocols, observe and enforce safety rules and practices, identify and address hazards, and set measurable goals to reduce injuries and associated costs.
• Quality and Compliance: You will maintain high product quality and safety standards, ensuring all processes align with HACCP and SSOP protocols. It will be your responsibility to address product failures, foreign material issues, and ensure all staff are well‑versed in CCPs and the HACCP plan to meet compliance requirements.
• Contingency and Accountability: You will ensure that all operating procedures are followed and updated when necessary for accuracy and efficiency. In the absence of key personnel, you will step in or delegate responsibilities to maintain seamless operations and meet all required goals.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university and 5+ years’ relevant experience; or equivalent…